My first major craft project was a mixed media picture for my grandma Nonie; I was about 4 or 5 years old. It was a crayon drawing of their farm with embroidery embellishments and sewn on buttons. Honestly, I haven’t stopped crafting since. In college I was a fine art major and planned to become an illustrator. I imagined living in a cool loft space creating designs and illustrations for famous clients. Even though that vision was interrupted and I entered the corporate world instead, I never forgot that dream. I continued to take craft classes to relieve the stress of the corporate world. I have experimented in many different media, but the one constant has been jewelry and lampwork bead making. Friends and Family encouraged me to try selling my work; after reading an article about Etsy in June 2009, my shop opened with two items listed. It was a slow start, but well worth the effort.

The one thing I love about Etsy is connecting with the artist who crafted the item I am purchasing. I’ve found that unlike the mass market, hand crafted items are made with love and attention to detail. I also like the fact that when you buy homemade, you are directly supporting an artist and contributing to their local economy.

I take great pride in my work and strive to find the best quality materials possible. Some of the beads I use in my designs are handmade by me in my studio with glass from Italy. Other beads come from other Etsy artists and small businesses in my local community. I design items that I would love to wear. I hope you will enjoy wearing my jewelry as much as I enjoy making it.

Lori Dorrington
www.Lorisglassworks.etsy.com
www.Lorisglassworks.blogspot.com